Winter Rains : Wet Weather over the Northern Plains

The entire region remained starved of winter rains, leading to a significant deficiency of over 90% across the region, till last week. Courtesy few good showers on 19th and 20th Jan, the shortfall has been reduced by 10-20%, except over West Uttar Pradesh.

An active western disturbance is closing in over the northern mountains tonight. This will be followed by another system, in quick succession on 27th Jan and influence the weather conditions till 30th Jan.

Weather activity during the latter half of this spell will be more intense and wide compared to the starting days. The 2nd half may also go deep into Rajasthan's and Uttar Pradesh's states.

The wet spell may be accompanied by 1st hailstorm of the season at a few places, more so along the foothills and northern parts of Punjab and Haryana.

While the farmers welcome the winter rains and are considered a timely godsend, the hailstorm activity may sled the community. Gusty winds with heavy showers lead to the lodging of crops, and the entire 'Rabi' range becomes vulnerable to impairment. Inclement weather conditions are expected to subside after 30th Jan across the plains of north India.